Simplifying IT: Decisions around cloud – back to basics

[Nasr_El_Lebeady]

Cloud computing is now a common concept, but there is still a lot to learn. Nasr El-Lebeady, MEA Partner Programmes Lead, explains more about the different cloud options, why organisations should be looking to the cloud, and how to decide what’s best for each.

Investing in IT: On-premises or cloud?

It’s essential that organisations across all industries continue to invest in IT to ensure they are operating at a competitive level and can serve their audience or customers sufficiently, meeting or exceeding their expectations. Adequate computing power, storage and the capacity to store data is vital, as well as a good network, connecting every person in the organisation, wherever they may be.

IT continues to evolve at pace, with a range of options that seemingly change daily; new developments, concepts and products appear each day. With continuous forward motion as a target, organisations are faced with two options when it comes to investing in IT:

1. To purchase all the hardware and software components needed to operate at an optimal level. Then build, configure and set up the systems inhouse, taking responsibility for maintaining them. This is IT on-premises.
2. Gather all the IT services needed for the organisation without buying hardware and software components. This means someone else will manage, maintain and configure the system. The components are not physically held at the organisation’s location, but accessed via the internet. This is called the cloud.

What are the cloud options?

Many business owners and organisations lack the expert technical skills required for option A. Managing an IT infrastructure successfully is a huge task, as well as a significant, ongoing investment. This is why many opt for a cloud-based solution. However, the decisions don’t stop there, with three different cloud options to choose from, to ensure the solution best suits the organisation.

1. Public – the servers, storage, network and software can be used by multiple users at the same time, it’s not dedicated to just one customer.
2. Private – IT resources are dedicated to a single customer, giving a security advantage.
3. Hybrid – combines on premises infrastructure with a cloud environment. This is a more flexible and customisable option.

What’s best for your organisation?

Deciding on the best cloud for your organisation depends on your business needs, objectives and priorities. It’s essential to look at what you are using the cloud for, what you’re storing, how secure it needs to be, and how scalable you might require it for future planning. It’s a good idea to take advice from a cloud expert who can advise the most cost-effective and efficient solution, tailormade for your organisation; there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

HPE GreenLake is a hybrid cloud platform that is flexible, secure and delivered as-a-Service, meaning you only pay for what you use. Bringing a cloud experience to all applications and data, HPE GreenLake offers a range of hybrid cloud services for connectivity, data storage, data protection, high performance computing, network infrastructure management and more.

HPE GreenLake could be an excellent option for those who are looking for the flexibility of a cloud, as it adapts well to fit almost every organisation’s requirements. We provide the complete, preconfigured system, with everything necessary to start almost immediately. We also manage the system through its lifecycle, and provide a clear dashboard to view usage, costs, security and performance. HPE GreenLake provides a simple and straightforward way to access a hybrid cloud service. Find out more here.

Key takeaways

• On-premises and cloud are the two different methods of operating IT. Either do everything yourself, or have it done for you!
• Three cloud options exist: Public, Private and Hybrid. Hybrid combines the best of an on-premises infrastructure with a cloud-like experience.
• It’s essential to create the right cloud solution for your organisation, taking the advice of experts to build a cloud that suits you and your requirements.
• HPE GreenLake provides a simple cloud-like experience with no physical infrastructure, preconfigured to your requirements.

Nasr El-Lebeady
Hewlett Packard Enterprise

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